Re: Baggage Car D&RGW 168

Jeff Taylor Wrote:
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> UPHogger Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Jeff,
> >
> > It seems you get a lot of questions about "what
> > the status of this piece of equipment?" "Are
> you
> > going to restore this piece of equipment?"
> "Will
> > it be a cosmetic or operational restoration?"
> > Could you by chance walk us through the
> decision
> > making process of how a piece gets "on your
> radar"
> > given your limited resources and personnel?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Scott
>
> Well Scott, the process is not as organized as you
> might think. I believe it was more organized once,
> however for years it has been very spontaneous.
> Some times it was based on a whim or one persons
> decision, other times it was based on a donation
> towards a piece of equipment. Like RGS 20 for
> example. Still other times it was based on
> operational needs, like 491 or the idler flat car
> 6732 being turned into a rider car. Since I came
> to the museum I have been working with the
> volunteers to finish restorations and play catchup
> with long overdue maintenance and paint jobs.
> (Such as URY combine 50, the Gramps tank car,
> replacing the roof, roof walks, adding a new EPDM
> roofing, annual the trucks and repainting 0578.) I
> can name more projects.
>
> The Midland 111 car for example was chosen because
> of it's historical significance, and because we
> were going to build the shelter over the 96 car
> with the intent to place the 111 beside it. Any
> work on 111 was also long overdue.
>
> At the moment the process is basically a
> discussion between myself and our Director on what
> might be the next restoration or paint project. I
> have a mission over the next year to try to plan
> out several projects for the next several years,
> including paint jobs, maintenance, annuals, minor
> restoration, and major restoration projects. The
> list I come up with will not be set in stone, as i
> said it could change based on more pressing needs,
> a donation, physical condition of a car vs
> another, cost, availability of materials, and so
> on.
>
> I guess the long and short of it is the process
> or decision comes down to our director and myself
> and occasionally one or two other staff members.
> It might upset some folks that it isn't more
> complex than that, but it is probably better that
> way. I don't have to worry about someone else's
> personal agenda wanting there favorite box car
> rebuilt vs restoring a more significant piece that
> is at risk of further deterioration.

AMEN!

High Commander